A Stay in Yokohama Landmark Tower
Standing at 296.3 meters, Yokohama Landmark Tower was the tallest building in Japan when it opened in 1993. While its lower half is full of shops, restaurants and offices, the 49th to 70th floors are occupied by a five-star luxury hotel!
Odawara Castle: Last Stand of the Old Order
Located just south of Tokyo, Odawara Castle was known as an impregnable fortress—until it was taken down by a party!
Hakone Luxury: Toki no Yu Setsugetsuka
With two hot spring sources and a vibrant atmosphere, this luxury 'ryokan' in Hakone feels less like a quiet retreat than an exciting 'onsen' resort!
Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum
The Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum is less a museum than a Disney-like experience of ramen!
Finding Bargains in Kanto's Posh Neighborhoods
Japan has 'shotengai,' or shopping streets, where you can find most anything, including food, kimono, gifts, home items, novelty goods, clothes, shoes and what have you. While 'shotengai' abound in Japan, we'll introduce you the best of the best.
Things to Do Around Hakone-Yumoto Station
Visitors to Hakone have to change trains at Hakone-Yumoto Station, meaning you always have a bit of time to kill. With temples, forest adventures, souvenir shopping and the Eva store, there's plenty to do while you wait!
Kitchen-Haven Kappabashi Has More Than Knives
Previously, we've published articles about buying knives in Kappabashi, but this 'shotengai' has more on offer than just cutlery! Let's take a tour together and see a sharper side of this shopping street.
Going Back in Time for Books at Jimbocho
After reading, book-loving locals usually sell their tomes back to second-hand bookstores so the books will find a new home. Luckily, there's an old street in the middle of Tokyo that has more than 100 stores dedicated to old books: Jimbocho.
What's the Average Cost of Living in Japan?
So, how expensive is Japan really? Read on to find out the average cost of living in Japan in comparison to the US dollar and the UK pound sterling to see if a potential move to Japan is within your budget!
5 Cheap Shopping Stops Near Famous Japan Sites
Ginza, Omotesando and Shibuya are not the only places to shop in Japan. In some Tokyo suburbs, there are places worth a stop; outside Tokyo, you may just score even better deals!
Sampling the Food of Miyagi
Miyagi is home to some of the best seafood in Japan with fresh oysters and fish along with other mouthwatering delicacies such as grilled beef tongue and 'zunda.' Come along with us on a tour of the best of the best dishes!
Noge: Yokohama's Hub for Cheap Drinks
With some 500 drinking establishments just 10 minutes south of Minato Mirai, the Noge area is 'the' spot to hit for a cheap drink in Yokohama.
Fabulous Fall Foliage in Geibikei Gorge
Geibikei Gorge, located in the city of Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture, has two famous valleys: Geibikei and Genbikei. While the names of the valleys are similar, each has its own unique features. In this travel report, we'll explore the grand Geibekei.
Mars GardenWood: Get a Fuji View in Gotemba
MarsGardenWood Gotemba is a resort hotel located to the southeast of Mount Fuji, with many of the rooms offer direct views of Japan's signature mountain.
Autumn Journey to Oku-Aizu on the Tadami Line
Operating between Aizu-Wakamatsu Station in Fukushima Prefecture and Koide Station in Niigata Prefecture from 1971, the Tadami Line treats passengers to peerless natural scenery drifting past the window.
Hakone Yosegi Zaiku: World of Woodcraft
Hakone 'yosegi zaiku' is a kind of woodworking technique typically used to make puzzle boxes with elaborate opening mechanisms. Not only do they make a great gift—at the Hakone Trick Museum you can even make one of your own!
Catch a Glimpse of 'Sakura' in the Winter
One popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo has transformed its riverside property into a sakura tree light display.
Hakone Sekisho: Historical Checkpoint
The Hakone Sekisho was one of 53 checkpoints used by the Tokugawa Shogunate to maintain control over Japan's population. Now faithfully reconstructed, it makes for a pleasant visit while in Hakone, offering a nice view of Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Taiko-Lab: Learn to Drum in 60 Minutes
Located just north of Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Taiko-Lab offers a chance to learn the basics of 'taiko' drumming in about 60 minutes—an essential part of any Japan experience!
Hakone Shrine: Home of the Nine-Headed Serpent
The mountains of Hakone have been worshipped for at least 2,500 years. Hakone Shrine venerates the three most important deities of the region: two legendary ancestors of the Japanese imperial line, and the goddess of Mount Fuji herself!
